A MULTI-MILLION -dollar warehouse FMF Foods Ltd is under construction at Wailevu, Macuata in Vanua Levu.
It is expected to improve the company’s product supply across Vanua Levu and reduce the impact of shipping disruptions on businesses and consumers.
FMF Foods national sales manager Ganeshwar Mani said the company had invested millions of dollars in the new facility, which was almost complete and expected to be operational by the end of the month.
“One of the reasons for building a warehouse is that when shipping disruptions occur and vessels are delayed, people in the North experience stock shortages,” he said.
“This larger warehouse will help us maintain sufficient stock.”
He said the development would provide significantly more storage capacity than the company’s current rented warehouse, allowing FMF to maintain adequate stock levels during shipping delays.
“If you see the site at Wailevu, you’ll understand because of its size.
“We’re still building and expanding it even further.
“If ships are delayed for a week because of cyclones or other issues, it creates supply problems.
“That’s one of the main reasons we’re building a larger warehouse.”
He said FMF currently transported products directly from Suva to Vanua Levu but relied on a rented warehouse that was no longer sufficient for its growing operations.
“At the moment we’re renting a warehouse here, but it’s not large enough.”
He said the company chose Wailevu because of the availability of land and the area’s rapid development.
He said congestion within Labasa Town had encouraged businesses to establish operations outside the urban centre.
“Everything in town is becoming congested, so it makes sense to develop outside the town area.
“It’s a good location and many people are investing there. Right now, the North is a place where people are putting in money.”
Mr Mani said the new complex would also include additional space for future business expansion.
He said FMF employed more than 35 people in the Northern Division, including merchandising staff, while the warehouse itself would have about eight employees.
“We’re always looking at opportunities. Once this project is completed, I’m sure we’ll be looking at other developments as well.”
He said about 99 per cent of the construction work had been completed and the company expected to move into the new warehouse by the end of this month.
